~11th March 2011~

It was the busiest day of the week.

I was to fetch Abby's friend from station,take him to lunch etc.

Rushed back for my presentation.

During breaks we felt the tremor.

We were still joking about it as it was pretty minor.

I called H to see if he needs company with J.

Mentioned nothing about the earthquake.

Because this is Japan after all.

Earthquakes are the norm.

So I waited for Abby,

And we went to find H and J.

Until we turned on the TV.

This was what we actually saw.

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/03/massive_earthquake_hits_japan.html

It was very serious on the news.

Very very serious.

It was like watching 2012 on TV.

Only,

This is no movie nor joke.

I called home to report my safety.

And cancelled my night bus to Tokyo.

Called MC to ask her to see the news.

I was shocked.

To see everything happen so quickly.

Within 15 minutes of the quake,

The tsunami hit the shores.

I called Ley but couldn't get through.

I tried another 10 times throughout the day.

Was worried sick.

Facebook came in handy at times like this.

Was glad to see people in Tokyo and all reporting their safety.

Was worried sick.

I wasn't even in the mood to go for nomikai after that.

But seniors confirmed say the gathering is still on.

Having paid 7000yen,

I went.

Though my heart wants me to stay and watch the news.

Ate through the meal,

But checking Facebook non stop.

Still no news from those in Tokyo really made me worry sick.

Mum started to worry cuz her phone was ringing non stop.

She didn't expect it to be so serious.

I SMS-ed her again and about 5 friends in Malaysia as well.

People have been worried sick.

I guess the news spread faster overseas.

Some of my friends in Japan wasn't even aware of the major disaster because they didn't turn on the news.

Spent some time in uni with Abby and J.

Went back to H's place.

Lines were bad,

SMS-es took 15minutes or more to reach.

We watched the news again.

Up til midnight.

It saddens me to see the amount of casualties going up.

But still,

We have to get some sleep.

Chat with Ley on msn til 1.30am.

Was hoping I could do something for her.

But I couldn't do anything but pray hard and accompany her until I was too tired.

I just hope the aftershocks won't be so frequent on their behalf.

It really feels surreal this morning when the few of us gathered for brunch.

The tsunami made quite some damage.

And people are getting free food and free drinks.

Even free phone calls.

Somehow,

I'm glad the quake hits Japan and not some other places.

Because only in Japan,

Everything could still be so systematic.

There was no robbing or snatching etc.

People queue up for food,for train to go home,for free phone calls.

Some could even walk home.

Women and children were given priorities in medication and services.

Blankets and even heaters were prepared at shelters.

The news were updated every minute,

And instead of covering up,

Information about the nuclear plant was explained every minute before it explodes.

Everyone is trying to help each other in times of disaster,and not themselves.

In this sense,

I really respect Japan.

No other country would have done better than them.

I just pray.

That there won't be another major quake after this.

Life,

Is precious after all.